Giving “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” Romans 12:6-8

Giving Definition The supernatural Functional Gift that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to contribute their material resources to the work of the Lord with liberality and cheerfulness. Good Biblical Example: Matthew and Abraham

Giving Characteristics Ability to make wise purchases and investments in order to set aside more resources for the Lord. Desire to give quietly to effective ministries and projects. Attempt to use his giving to motivate others to give. Alertness to meet needs she fears others may overlook. Enjoyment in meeting needs without pressure of appeals. Joy when his gift is an answer to another’s prayer. Concern that his gift be of high quality. Desire to feel a part of the work or person to whom he gives. Readiness to give regularly.

Giving Potential Weaknesses Need to deal with large sums of money may appear to focus on temporal values. Desire to give to a ministry may appear as attempt to control the work or person. Attempt to encourage others to give may appear as lack of generosity and unnecessary pressure. Lack of response to pressure appeals may appear to be lack of generosity. Living personally frugal may appear to others as selfishness in not meeting friends’ or relatives’ needs. Giving out of hope of big gain might cross line of trusting God to forcing Him. The desire to abuse this gift to get from the saints.

Giving Job Description Principle Function: To be a cheerful giver of personal resources to see their ministry team and the church succeed.

Giving Responsibilities Let’s use a Treasurer of the Worship Team as an example They are responsible for taking an offering, keeping the records of who gave what amount, and the total amount of funds raised, etc. The class treasurer is responsible for reporting these amounts to the main church treasurer. If items need to be purchased the treasurer is normally the one responsible for obtaining a check and maybe even going to purchase what is requested. Treasurers have to take more than one offering per service & careful records will need to be kept.

Giving Responsibilities Let’s use a Treasurer of the Worship Team as an example You may take up multiple offerings, for example, a general offering and one for coffee and donuts. In our worship team, the treasurer was responsible for taking up an offering not only for coffee and donuts but to purchase music. We have found that when choirs donate money toward the purchase of music we didn’t find music lying all over the church. They became better stewards of what they had bought.

Conclusion What will you do?

Understanding your Passions and your Interests